Interview: Maja Trstenjak - Manarchy Infernal Evil
Photo: Bethroned

Bethroned is One-man black metal band from Vukovar, Croatia. He has already done two demos and EP, new album is comming up, so we would like to introduce to you one hope of Croatian metal scene.

VENIA: For beginning can you introduce your band to Venia-mag readers?
LORD VARGOTH: Hello! Betroned is one man black metal band from Vukovar, founded in 2005. I am the only member at the moment, but band used to had full line-up. Some kind of black metal is played, and i could be called pagan black metal, with bit's influence on atmosphere in songs. Song's themes are gloryfications if forefathers and their bravery.

VENIA: In biography says that Bethroned is one-man band, so can you explain that do us a little bit more?
LORD VARGOTH: Yes, Bethroned is one man band, what means i do everything by myself, instruments and all. I play all instruments beside drums, instead of which i use rhytm machine. But that means that Bethroned could never play live because of missing of memberrs. But i don't know what future brings so maybe one day i will have members who will be able to play my songs live.

VENIA: Which bands were influences on music?
LORD VARGOTH: I have to say that i have always loved black metal of 90ties and that had the most influence on me. Bands like Bathory, Darkthrone and Immortal had most influence on me. They were all kings in that what they do and i respect them most in my songs and all the other people.

VENIA: Where did the name Bethroned came from?
LORD VARGOTH: Well the name just came to my mind like that (laugh). But name describes perfectly my playing style and my thoughts in one. When its prononnced it sounds strong.

VENIA: What was so fascinating to you in Scandinavian culture so it had influence on your music?
LORD VARGOTH: Interesting question. As i already said, i grew up on black metal of 90ties and all those bands were from Norway, country of black metal. That is one of the reason, because i always loved Scandinavian scene and second reason is that my songs aren't based on Nordic mithology only, but on Slavonic also. I am glorifing both mithologies, something that Behemoth always has done when he was playing black metal.

VENIA: What do you think about mixing myths and black metal, actually metal in general, not only in your band but in others too?
LORD VARGOTH: I have nothing against that, but i don't want that that is the reason of losing the heart of black metal, anger, secretivity.  I respect all bands who do that, but only when they don't overstate with that. I mean, who would love to listen to the music about invasion of two-heads creatures and dragons?...

VENIA: Because of the reason you are one-man band, you haven't had any gigs yet, are there some planned?
LORD WARGOTH: As I already said, i would love to play live, but the only problem is i can't find members who will be responsible and able to do a gig as better as possible. I will not bug myself if someone is not serious enough until i find some positive people, as i like to call that, there will be no live band gigs.

VENIA: Two demos and one EP is made, how did recording go?
LORD VARGOTH: Very fun but from one reason. I wasn't recording in a professional studio (as i do now while i record new album), it was done at home, and i had time as much as i wanted and i had none pressure on myself. It is totally diffrent story with new album, i have to do that as better as possible in short time because deadline comes really fast.

VENIA: We can hear Behthroned only in Internet. What influence had Myspace or web-site, have you gained popularity and out of Croatia?
LORD VARGOTH: Well I would not agree with that that we can be only heard on internet. It can be heard everywhere who has my CD. Myspace and web site helped me alot, not only people head for me in Croatia, but in the Europe too, that is big plus. But, it helped as it would help to every other band that is obdurant as i am. Because in this job, besides of quality obdurance is very important as well. It happened that the first label that refused me now wants me the most. But everything is wheel of fortune depends of luck.

VENIA: What are reactions of listeners on your music?
LORD VARGOTH: On my personal surprise, all comments were positive by now. Ofcourse there were and negative ones, but it is totally normal. Honestly i was hoping comments will be much more worse, but i am glad that i was wrong.  And now i would like to thank all those who supported me and who still support me. Because fans make the band alive!

VENIA: There are many bands like you who are still breaking throught music scene, so what can you tell us about concurency, is there any, what is it like?
LORD VARGOTH: Well everywhere you can find concurency, but to measure those ours with countries like Norway, Finland or Sweden... when its about them , there is no concurency in here (laugh). Well its good to have a bit of concurency, but i don't look at that in that way. I would be glad that this scene of ours would gain a bit breakthrought in world and i am happy that bands like mine exist here and who are trying to make that.

VENIA: What do you think about Croatian black metal scene in general?
LORD VARGOTH: Well used to it was worse, but now it is much better. There are many good bands who could in future with a bit luck to make something.

VENIA: And for end, what do you want to say to reades of Venia-Mag and to demo black metal bands?
LORD VARGOTH: Just keep going, keep your heads up, and don't let someone breaks you. It is long and hard trip, but with  strong will there is many things we can do. Thank you all on support once again! Soon will come split with Trismegistom and Zebulon Kostedom before new album!
SLAVA! (fame)